Four more newcomers added by Appleby

By Mark Stevens
9/10/20

England international Lauren Cattell heads up another impressive batch of new signings confirmed by Exeter Chiefs Women's coach Susie Appleby.

The 26-year-old centre, who has represented England at both 7s and 15s level, is the latest high-profile name to join the ranks ahead of the club's inaugural season in the Allianz Premier 15s division.

Formerly with Saracens, Appleby says Cattell will provide 'real quality' to the Exeter midfield ahead of the new campaign.

"Obviously, we're delighted to have signed Lauren," said Appleby. "She's someone we know really well and someone we feel can make a real impact here. Not only is she a quality defender, but she's a real playmaker, she has great organisational skills and someone who has a real eye for the game.

"When you add in the experience and the leadership skills she will bring to the group, it's a fantastic signing for us."

As well as the addition of Cattell, the Chiefs backline has been further supplemented with the signings of highly-rated England Under-20s starlet Flo Robinson, former Richmond winger Louise Burgess and ex-Worcester Warriors prop Lauren Leatherland.

"We're really starting to get there in terms of getting the squad we want for the new season," continued Appleby. "We're very excited about what Flo can offer us. She's a young 9/10 who has a great skill-set, she reads the game well and she's someone who can offer us that little attacking edge we want.

"Both Louise and Lauren have played at this level before and again they bring with them great experience and knowledge of what is needed to compete against the other sides. As I said, we're really starting to put the final pieces in places for the new season and we're excited at what we can do as a group."